Methods for providing prepaid telephony service via an internet protocol network system

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for providing prepaid telephony service via an Internet protocol (IP) network system. A first method provides controlling at least one media agent or call routing station/switch of an IP network system for allowing and/or blocking call media streams from traversing through the media agent. A second method provides directing all signaling messages transmitted by a signaling agent or station and all media packets transmitting voice and data communications through at least one common device within the IP network system. The methods further provide for continuously monitoring a subscriber's account balance and terminating the prepaid telephony service if the account balance is less than a predetermined amount.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of the U.S. Patent Application having Ser. No. 09 / 436,294, filed Nov. 8, 1999.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to telecommunications systems, and more specifically is directed toward methods of providing prepaid telephony service via an Internet protocol (IP) network system.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Prepaid telephony service is a very popular service in the existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). For example, prepaid calling cards are typically used by PSTN subscribers to place calls. Typically, a user or subscriber of a prepaid calling card initiates a phone call by calling a signaling agent, such as a communications station or server, via a toll-free number (800 / 888) provided on the prepaid calling card. The subscriber is then prompted to enter his home telephone number and an identification number (PIN...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]The method further includes the steps of during the prepaid call, continuously monitoring at the signaling station an account balance corresponding to the subscriber; transmitting from the signaling station to one of the PSTN telephone switch and the IP telephony switch a call interrupt signal if the account balance is less than a predetermined amount; receiving at one of the PSTN telephone switch and the IP telephony switch the call interrupt signal and terminating the prepaid call to the destination telephone number. It is contemplated that a message be transmitted to the subscriber indicating an amount of calling time available which corresponds to the account balance at least one time prior to the signaling station transmitting the call interrupt signal.

[0021]Further, it is contemplated that the steps of determining if the telephone number matches the prepaid access telephone number stored within the database of the signaling station, transmitting prepaid access instructions from the signaling station to the subscriber, and continuously monitoring at the signaling station the account balance corresponding to the subscriber be performed by the IP telephony switch by programming the IP telephony switch accordingly.

Problems solved by technology

Further, with conventional servers and IP network hardware, the call signaling messages cannot be directed or controlled to take the same path as the call media streams.

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